Yesterday, Governor Josh Stein, alongside North Carolina Secretary of Commerce Lee Lilley, visited downtown Marshall during Small Business Week. The visit aimed to emphasize the need for increased support for small businesses in western North Carolina that were affected by Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein has declared May 4 – May 10, 2025, as Small Business Week to acknowledge the contribution of entrepreneurs and small businesses to the state’s economy.
Governor Stein remarked, “Small businesses are the beating heart of our economy, and I am proud to recognize them this week. In particular, western North Carolina is open for business, and it is more crucial than ever to support its economic recovery.” He also highlighted that private partners have facilitated $55 million in funding for over 2,100 small businesses but acknowledged that more assistance is needed. “I am calling on the General Assembly to dedicate more funding to support small businesses so they can keep providing jobs and bolstering local economies,” he stated.
Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley noted the importance of small businesses in employing nearly 45 percent of the private-sector workforce statewide. “As we continue our recovery from devastating storms and federal impacts, our focus remains on creating an environment where entrepreneurs can thrive,” said Lilley.
Governor Stein reiterated his commitment to supporting businesses in western North Carolina with necessary resources and infrastructure. Recently announced efforts include a distribution of $55 million from Dogwood Health Trust, Duke Endowment, and state funds to assist over 2,100 local enterprises. Furthermore, Governor Stein’s second Helene budget request will seek additional investment from the General Assembly into small business grants for ongoing community service operations.
An additional $55 million state infrastructure program was launched by Governor Stein and the Department of Commerce. This initiative allows local governments to apply for up to $1 million each for public infrastructure rebuilding projects essential for business operations like sidewalks and sewers. The Department’s Division of Workforce Solutions has introduced a $500,000 “Hurricane Helene Business Edge Fund” targeted at minimizing layoffs within small businesses most affected by the storm.
North Carolina’s economic landscape prominently features small businesses which represent over 99 percent of all state enterprises and employ approximately 1.7 million people statewide. As per a recent report from 2022, more than 9,600 such firms contributed significantly by exporting merchandise worth $8.2 billion.
Support structures available include NCWorks services; community college centers focused on small business development; technology development centers; SCORE; Veterans Business Outreach Center; Rural Center; along with a toll-free advisory hotline known as Small Business Advisors hotline.
